​Viewers So Sickened By Jimmy Savile Documentary They Had To Turn It Off

Viewers watching ITV's documentary Savile: Portrait of a Predator last night found the content understandably hard to stomach, with some admitting they had to end up turning the programme off.

Tying in with the 10th anniversary of Savile's death, the hour-long documentary offers an insight to his depraved world of deception through the eyes of those who worked with him and the people who investigated his crimes.

Exploring how the popular entertainer engineered his career and lifestyle to 'abuse and escape detection', we hear from key witnesses and investigators, including a detective who looked into his crimes for the Metropolitan Police's Operation Yewtree.

A synopsis reads: "Savile's decades-long career of abuse seriously affected the reputation of those who failed to stop him - most notably the BBC, hospital trusts and the police - once the truth emerged widely after his death ten years ago.

"Seen through the eyes of those who worked alongside him and investigated him after his death ten years ago, this programme features new testimony from those who were victims and who bore witness to his crimes, while providing a vivid insight into how he courted the Establishment as a way of protecting himself."

Many people tuned in when the documentary aired last night on ITV, although some found it simply too hard to watch as they felt 'sick to their stomach'.

One viewer tweeted: "Ten minutes in and I cannot watch any more of the documentary about that disgusting Jimmy Saville on ITV as I'm fuming that he got away with it. I hope the BBC think twice about airing their drama about this 'man' for the sake of his victims, who must still be suffering now."

Someone else said: "Already feel uneasy watching Savile: Portrait of a Predator - how the hell did he get away with it all."

Another said they found it 'really uncomfortable viewing' while one other person tweeted: "Watching this documentary makes me feel sick to my stomach."

The BBC recently announced that Steve Coogan has been cast to play Savile in The Reckoning, a forthcoming drama about the disgraced star, with some people expressing their disgust over the project, branding the broadcaster hypocritical.

Savile's horrific crimes only came to light after his death in 2011, when hundreds of survivors courageously came forward and told their stories.



Writing on Twitter, one user said: "A drama about Jimmy Savile made by the BBC? I wonder if it will show how they were complicit in covering up his disgusting crimes for years?"

Another said: "So let me just get this straight... the BBC spent decades profiting off, platforming and protecting Savile through his life with no regard for his victims to now make a TV seriesto profit off and revive is memory with no regard for his victims? Will they cover their complicitness?"

The BBC has said it is working closely with some of the survivors to make sure the story is told with 'sensitivity and respect'.